Sept. 29, 2008

BOSTON - The Boston University women's ice hockey team was picked fifth in the annual Women's Hockey East preseason coaches' poll, the conference announced on Monday at the TD Banknorth Garden. The Terriers earned 36 points in the poll, which was topped by three-time defending champion New Hampshire.

The Wildcats earned 52 total points and four first-place votes. Boston College was picked second with 47 points and two first-place nods, while Providence was tabbed third with 43 points and two first-place votes.

Connecticut (42) was picked just ahead of the Terriers with Northeastern (23) and Vermont (23) tied for sixth and Maine (14) rounding out the poll.

BU finished tied for third place in Hockey East last season with an 11-9-1 league record, good enough for the Terriers to qualify for their first-ever postseason appearance in the third year of varsity play. Reigning Hockey East Coach of the Year Brian Durocher will be hoping that his experienced lineup, headed by 10 seniors, will be able to exceed expectations and improve upon last season's finish.

Six teams will qualify for this season's expanded Women's Hockey East Championship Tournament, which will be held on campus sites beginning February 28.

The Terriers open the 2008-09 season on Friday at 7 p.m., facing Union in Schenectady, N.Y. The home opener at Walter Brown Arena comes on Friday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. against perennial power Mercyhurst with the conference opener against New Hampshire at home on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.

2008 Women's Hockey East Preseason Coaches' Poll
Rank. Team (First-place votes), Total
1. New Hampshire (4), 52
2. Boston College (2), 47
3. Providence (2), 43
4. Connecticut, 42
5. Boston University, 36
t-6. Northeastern, 23
t-6. Vermont, 23
8. Maine, 14